Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that Qatar could act as a mediator to persuade the United States to halt its military operations in international waters near Venezuela. During a visit to Brussels, Petro emphasized Qatar’s successful track record in mediating tense situations and expressed confidence in its ability to convince the US to cease missile strikes in the Caribbean. These strikes, conducted by the US military, have targeted small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, with the Trump administration reporting the destruction of four such vessels. Petro’s proposal follows his earlier claim, made without evidence, that Colombians may have been aboard one of the boats destroyed by US forces. The US has disputed this assertion and urged Petro to retract his statement, but the Colombian leader has refused, citing national data on drug seizures and the nationalities of those apprehended. Meanwhile, US officials have reaffirmed their commitment to Colombia as a strategic partner, despite policy differences. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denied his country’s involvement in major drug trafficking and has sought international support, including from the Pope, to maintain peace. Petro has criticized the US military actions as disproportionate and called for negotiations to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, citing Colombia’s recent talks with the Clan del Golfo in Qatar as a model for future mediation efforts.
Colombian President Petro suggests Qatar could mediate US military actions off Venezuela
