‘We must defend sovereignty...’: Colombia's cali rally explodes after Trump’s Venezuela intervention

Hundreds of Colombians gathered in Cali and Bogotá after President Gustavo Petro called for nationwide demonstrations to defend national sovereignty amid rising tensions with the United States. Protesters waved Colombian flags, held portraits of Petro and rejected what they described as threats of foreign intervention following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump and the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela. Demonstrations under the slogan “for sovereignty and democracy” were reported across major cities, with participants stressing regional solidarity and respect for international law. The protests come as Petro and Trump held a phone call described as cordial, signalling tentative de-escalation.