Story perspectives

U.S. Military Seizes Maduro, Strains Colombia Relations

2/2/2026

Left

U.S. Military Action

The U.S. military seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, creating uncertainty in Colombia.
U.S. President Donald Trump accuses Gustavo Petro of drug trafficking ties without evidence.
In Tumaco, farmers like Yuli Caicedo uproot coca plants as President Gustavo Petro shifts to voluntary crop replacement.
The strategy strains U.S.-Colombia relations.
In Honduras, Trump's pardon of former President Juan Orlando Hernández raises concerns about impunity and the safety of environmental defenders.

Right

ELN Violence Escalates

Violence intensifies in Catatumbo as clashes between Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) and Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) escalate, driven by drug trafficking.
Since January 15, 2025, more than 300 people have died and over 80,000 have been displaced.
The ELN seeks control over key routes and aligns with Venezuela's defense strategy against perceived Colombian threats.
Local communities face intimidation, with abductions and killings, and residents like José flee.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989, under President George H. W. Bush, aimed to depose General Manuel Noriega, who was implicated in drug trafficking. The operation resulted in over 23,000 Panamanian casualties and significant political upheaval. This intervention reflects ongoing U.S. military involvement in Latin America, echoing current tensions in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro and impacting U.S.-Colombia relations.

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U.S. Military Action

The U.S. military seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, creating uncertainty in Colombia.
U.S. President Donald Trump accuses Gustavo Petro of drug trafficking ties without evidence.
In Tumaco, farmers like Yuli Caicedo uproot coca plants as President Gustavo Petro shifts to voluntary crop replacement.
The strategy strains U.S.-Colombia relations.
In Honduras, Trump's pardon of former President Juan Orlando Hernández raises concerns about impunity and the safety of environmental defenders.

1 / 3