"Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Plaza de Bolivar in the heart of Bogota on Tuesday to rally in defence of Colombia’s sovereignty, following heightened diplomatic tensions sparked by comments from US President Donald Trump and recent US military action in neighbouring Venezuela. Footage shows crowds waving Colombian flags and holding placards with messages supporting national self-determination and the government of President Gustavo Petro. The demonstration was organised by trade unions, social movements and ordinary citizens after President Petro urged Colombians via his X account to assemble in the capital and across major cities to express their backing for the country’s institutions and independence. “Today we come out in defence of our Government headed by President Gustavo Petro and in defence of our sovereignty in the face of threats from the Trump Government,” said Walter Orozco, a participant in the rally. The protest took place against the backdrop of intense regional unease following a US special forces operation in Venezuela on January 3 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug-related charges. The mission has drawn global condemnation from several governments and international organisations as a violation of international law, while the US government has defended it as a law-enforcement action against alleged narcotrafficking networks. In remarks echoed at the Bogota demonstration, many attendees emphasised the importance of defending Colombia’s independence amid what they perceive as external pressure on Latin America. “He violated the sovereignty of Latin America [Donald Trump], and here we came to defend the sovereignty not only of Colombia but of Latin America,” stated Barbara Mora, a Colombian protester. Throughout the day, demonstrators raised national flags, sang the Colombian anthem and called for unity in rejecting any military or diplomatic intervention that they believe undermines international law and the principles of self-determination. Diplomatic relations between Bogota and Washington have since shown signs of de-escalation. Trump and President Petro spoke by phone on January 8, with Trump describing the conversation as 'cordial' and inviting Petro to the White House for further talks."