Petro warns of Latin American “rebellion” over US pressure, sanctions

BOGOTA, April 19 (YPA) – Gustavo Petro warned that mounting pressure from the United States on Latin American leaders who oppose its policies could trigger a “rebellion” against Washington’s influence.

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Petro criticized the use of sanctions by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), describing them as a political tool to pressure governments pursuing independent policies.

Petro, a former member of the M-19 movement, has had repeated tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly after being placed under U.S. sanctions over alleged links to drug trafficking.

He warned that such policies could provoke a regional backlash, drawing parallels with historical resistance to colonial rule, and stressing that Latin America could once again move toward defiance if Washington does not reconsider its approach.

Petro also pointed to recent U.S. military actions in Caracas as a source of concern among regional leaders, saying they have heightened fears and instability across Latin America.

Elected in 2022, Petro is expected to leave office in August, in line with Colombia’s constitutional term limits.