Is Colombia on High Alert? Urgent UN Meeting Called on Venezuela!
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Key Takeaways
Bogota, Jan 3 (NationPress) In light of the concerning military actions by the US against Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urgently requested a UN meeting to advocate for the prohibition of force and the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.
In a post on X late Saturday afternoon, Indian time, Petro mentioned that Colombia is mobilizing forces at the border due to the escalating tensions in the area.
"We just concluded the national security council meeting that commenced at 3 a.m. Our public forces are being dispatched to the border, along with all available resources to manage a potential influx of refugees. The Colombian embassy in Venezuela remains accessible for inquiries," stated the Colombian leader.
Previously, Petro expressed that the Government of the Republic of Colombia is deeply troubled by reports of explosions and "unusual aerial activity" recently observed in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has led to increased regional tensions.
"Colombia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, especially regarding the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, the prohibition of the use or threat of force, and the promotion of peaceful conflict resolution. The Colombian Government disapproves of any unilateral military actions that could exacerbate the situation or endanger civilians," Petro added.
He emphasized that Colombia is dedicated to maintaining regional peace and urgently calls for de-escalation, urging all parties to avoid actions that could intensify hostilities and to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.
"As a precautionary measure, the National Government has taken steps to safeguard the civilian population, maintain stability along the Colombian-Venezuelan border, and address any potential humanitarian or migration needs promptly, in coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies," the Colombian President stated.
He elaborated that the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs "must keep diplomatic channels open" with the involved governments and will advocate, in suitable multilateral and regional forums, for initiatives aimed at fact verification and the preservation of regional peace and security.
"The Republic of Colombia reiterates its belief that peace, adherence to international law, and the safeguarding of life and human dignity must take precedence over any form of armed conflict. May Bolívar protect the Venezuelan people and the people of Latin America," the statement concluded.
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been "captured" and "flown out" of Venezuela.
On his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump stated, "The United States of America has successfully executed a large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and transported out of the country."
He noted that this operation was conducted in collaboration with US Law Enforcement, with more details to be shared during a news conference at 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago.
Several significant explosions were reported early Saturday morning in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.