Colombian president calls for defence after Trump suggests he could be targeted

Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged citizens to defend him after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States might target him; Petro denied being illegitimate or a drug trafficker and pointed to his administration's counternarcotics actions.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly urged citizens to defend him after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States might consider targeting him following U.S. action against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Petro rejected allegations that he is illegitimate or involved in drug trafficking and highlighted recent counternarcotics measures by his government. He also said he would remove any military commander who shows greater loyalty to a foreign flag. Colombia is scheduled to hold a presidential election in May, with a successor due to take office in July. Key details: - President Donald Trump publicly suggested the U.S. might target Colombia's leader after U.S. forces detained Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, according to reported remarks. - President Gustavo Petro asked citizens to defend him and said he would remove military commanders who prioritize another country's flag, as reported in his public message. - Petro denied accusations of illegitimacy or involvement in drug trafficking and cited his administration's large drug seizure and a voluntary crop substitution program. - Colombia's next presidential election is set for May, and the incoming president is due to be sworn in July. Summary: The exchange has raised diplomatic tensions between the two countries and draws attention as Colombia approaches its presidential election. The next formal political milestone is the May election, with a new president scheduled to take office in July.