Colombia raises border alert and urges an urgent UN meeting amid escalating Venezuela crisis following US attacks. President Gustavo Petro calls for de-escalation, diplomatic dialogue, and protection of civilians to preserve regional peace and security.
Colombia has been placed on high alert amid rising regional tensions after reported United States military actions against Venezuela, prompting President Gustavo Petro to call for an urgent meeting of the United Nations. The Colombian government has expressed grave concern over the escalating situation, warning that unilateral military actions could destabilize the region and endanger civilian lives.
In a statement shared on social media platform X late Saturday afternoon (India time), President Petro confirmed that Colombia’s National Security Council convened in an emergency session that began at 3 a.m. local time. Following the meeting, Colombian public forces were ordered to deploy along the country’s border with Venezuela as a precautionary measure.
“We just finished the national security council meeting. Public forces are being deployed to the border, along with all available assistance resources in case of a mass influx of refugees,” Petro said. He also confirmed that the Colombian embassy in Venezuela remains operational and available to assist citizens during the crisis.
Earlier, the Colombian government released an official statement expressing deep concern over reports of explosions and what it described as “unusual aerial activity” detected in Venezuelan territory. The developments, according to Bogotá, have contributed to a sharp escalation of tension in northern South America.
President Petro reiterated Colombia’s firm commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use or threat of force. He stressed that Colombia categorically rejects any unilateral military intervention that could further inflame the conflict or place civilians at risk.
“Colombia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” the statement said, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy must take precedence over military confrontation.
Calling for immediate de-escalation, Petro urged all parties involved to refrain from actions that could deepen the crisis. He stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent the conflict from spilling across borders and triggering humanitarian consequences.
As a preventive measure, the Colombian government has activated emergency protocols to protect civilians and ensure stability along the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Authorities are also preparing to address potential humanitarian and migration challenges that could arise if violence intensifies, coordinating closely with local administrations and relevant agencies.
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The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to maintain open diplomatic channels with all involved governments. Petro noted that Colombia would actively promote initiatives in multilateral and regional forums aimed at objectively verifying developments on the ground and safeguarding regional peace and security.
In his concluding remarks, President Petro underscored that peace, international law, and the protection of human dignity must prevail over armed confrontation. Invoking a regional message of solidarity, he stated, “May Bolívar protect the Venezuelan people and the people of Latin America.”
The situation remains fluid as international attention turns toward diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, with Colombia positioning itself as a vocal advocate for restraint and regional stability.
