Colombian President Petro: U.S. Pressure Targets Venezuela’s Oil

In the exclusive CNN interview, Petro criticized U.S. actions in Latin America, arguing that Washington’s measures against Venezuela are primarily motivated by oil rather than efforts to democratize the country or combat drug trafficking.

“This is fundamentally about oil. The U.S. is negotiating over petroleum, not democracy or drug control,” Petro said. He emphasized that Venezuela is not a major drug producer, and only a small portion of the global drug trade passes through the country.

Petro Criticizes U.S. Policy

Petro also reflected on his disagreements with the Trump administration, noting his criticism of U.S. immigration policies, support for Israel, and military operations in Latin America.

He accused the U.S. of attempting to impose its will on neighboring countries, comparing these actions to imperialism. “The United States can be seen as just another nation, not an empire,” Petro stated.

Regarding a message to the American people, he said: “My message is for every member of the U.S. Special Forces: as sworn, your duty is to fight oppression. I have reiterated this on U.S. soil, and it has come at a cost to me.”

Petro Hits Back at U.S. Sanctions

In October, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Petro, accusing him of involvement in global drug trafficking. The Colombian president rejected the claim, emphasizing that his government seized record amounts of cocaine.

“In recent years, I ensured that drug seizures far outpaced any slowdown in production,” he explained. Petro attributed Trump’s refusal to acknowledge this to pride and historical bias, referencing his former membership in the M-19 guerrilla movement during the 1970s and 1980s.

He also stated that the U.S. perceives him as similar to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

“Venezuela’s Real Problem is Democracy”

Maduro’s statements came a day after the U.S. designated the alleged drug trafficking group Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Petro, however, expressed skepticism about drug allegations against Maduro, emphasizing that Venezuela’s issues are primarily related to democratic deficits.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Venezuela is not a significant cocaine producer. Of the 3,700 tons of cocaine produced worldwide, over 2,500 tons originate from Colombia, with Venezuela absent from production maps. U.S. DEA reports confirm similar findings, noting that 84% of cocaine seized in the U.S. comes from Colombia.

Colombia-U.S. Relations

Colombia has long been Washington’s most reliable partner in South America. In 2022, the Biden administration designated Colombia as a “major non-NATO ally.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that tensions are centered on Petro personally, not Colombian institutions: “Our relationships with the Colombian people, economy, and institutions, particularly defense, remain strong and will continue even after Petro leaves office,” he said.