Colombia Calls for Urgent UN Meet After US Strikes on Venezuela, Deploys Forces Along Border

Bogota, Jan 2026 : Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Saturday expressed deep concern over reported US military actions against Venezuela, calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations to uphold international law, prohibit the use or threat of force, and ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes. As tensions escalated in the region, Colombia also announced the deployment of public forces along its border with Venezuela as a precautionary measure.

In a post on X late Saturday afternoon (India time), President Petro said Colombia had convened a high-level national security council meeting in the early hours of the day to assess the rapidly evolving situation. “We just finished the national security council meeting that started at 3 a.m. Public forces are being deployed to the border, along with all available assistance resources in case of a mass influx of refugees. The Colombian embassy in Venezuela is available to answer calls,” Petro stated.

Earlier, the Colombian government issued a formal statement expressing alarm over reports of multiple explosions and what it described as “unusual aerial activity” in Venezuela. These developments, Petro warned, had sharply increased regional tensions and raised serious concerns about civilian safety and stability across borders.

Reaffirming Colombia’s foreign policy principles, Petro underscored his country’s commitment to the United Nations Charter. “Colombia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the prohibition of the use or threat of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” he said. He added that Colombia firmly rejects any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or place civilian lives at risk.

The Colombian leader stressed that his government’s position is firmly oriented toward preserving regional peace. He urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could deepen confrontation, and prioritise dialogue and diplomatic engagement over military escalation.

“As a preventive measure, the National Government has implemented steps to protect the civilian population, preserve stability on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, and promptly address any potential humanitarian or migration needs, in coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies,” Petro said. Colombia has historically faced significant refugee inflows during periods of instability in Venezuela, and authorities appear to be preparing for a similar scenario if the situation deteriorates further.

Petro also directed the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep diplomatic channels open with all concerned governments. He said Colombia would actively promote, in appropriate multilateral and regional forums, initiatives aimed at objectively verifying the facts on the ground and safeguarding regional peace and security.

“The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation,” the statement said, concluding with a symbolic appeal: “May Bolívar protect the Venezuelan people and the people of Latin America.”

The Colombian response comes amid dramatic claims by US President Donald Trump, who said Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been “captured” and “flown out” of the country following a large-scale US strike. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that the United States had successfully carried out a major operation against Venezuela and its leadership, in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. He said further details would be provided during a news conference scheduled for later in the day at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Trump’s statement followed reports of several loud explosions heard early Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. Residents described scenes of panic as powerful blasts echoed across parts of the city, with social media videos showing smoke rising from multiple locations. The reports have heightened international concern, with several governments closely monitoring developments.

As uncertainty persists over the accuracy and implications of the claims, Colombia’s call for urgent UN engagement reflects growing regional anxiety over the potential fallout of military action in Venezuela. With border security tightened and humanitarian preparations underway, Bogota has positioned itself as an advocate for de-escalation, diplomacy and multilateral intervention to prevent further destabilisation in Latin America.

Team Maverick.