Story perspectives

Colombians Protest U.S. Military Threats Amid Maduro Crisis

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Thousands of Colombians protested U.S. military threats after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with demonstrations in Cúcuta.
Demonstrators labeled U.S. President Donald Trump as a warmonger.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. attack as illegal but softened his stance after speaking with Trump.
The Trump administration seeks control of Venezuelan oil, aiming to stabilize the country and dictate terms to the interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez.

History

Historical Context

The Venezuelan crisis of 1902-03 arose when President Cipriano Castro refused to pay foreign debts, prompting a naval blockade by Britain, Germany, and Italy. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened, leading to the Washington Protocols, which established U.S. authority to intervene in Latin America. This event laid the groundwork for the Roosevelt Corollary, asserting U.S. dominance in the region and influencing contemporary protests against perceived imperialism in Colombia.

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Story summary

Thousands of Colombians protested U.S. military threats after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with demonstrations in Cúcuta.
Demonstrators labeled U.S. President Donald Trump as a warmonger.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. attack as illegal but softened his stance after speaking with Trump.
The Trump administration seeks control of Venezuelan oil, aiming to stabilize the country and dictate terms to the interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez.

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