Colombia has been placed on high alert amid escalating tensions following reported US military strikes on Venezuela, with President Gustavo Petro calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations to address the unfolding crisis.

Expressing deep concern, Petro said Colombia firmly opposes the use or threat of force and urged all parties to pursue peaceful solutions in line with international law. In a post on X late Saturday, the Colombian leader said security forces are being deployed along the Colombian-Venezuelan border as a precautionary measure, given the volatile regional situation.

Petro said a National Security Council meeting, which began early Saturday morning, had reviewed potential risks, including a possible influx of refugees. “Public forces are being deployed to the border, along with all available assistance resources in case of a mass influx of refugees,” he said, adding that Colombia’s embassy in Venezuela remains operational to assist citizens.

In an earlier official statement, the Colombian government said it was closely monitoring reports of explosions and “unusual aerial activity” in Venezuela, warning that such developments risk further destabilising the region. Petro reiterated Colombia’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

The Colombian president rejected any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or endanger civilian lives. He stressed that Colombia’s position is focused on preserving regional peace and urgently called for de-escalation, urging all actors involved to avoid actions that could deepen confrontation.

As a preventive step, the Colombian government said it has activated measures to protect civilians, maintain stability along the shared border, and respond swiftly to potential humanitarian or migration challenges. These efforts, Petro said, are being coordinated with local authorities and relevant national agencies.

Petro also instructed the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep diplomatic channels open with all parties and to promote initiatives within multilateral and regional forums aimed at objectively verifying events and safeguarding regional peace and security.

“The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation,” the statement said, invoking solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Latin America.

The developments follow claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces carried out a large-scale military strike against Venezuela and that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. Several loud explosions were reported in Caracas early Saturday, further heightening international concern.