Colombia has gone on high alert after a U.S. military operation reportedly captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Bogotá condemned the strikes and mobilised forces to reinforce its 2,219-km eastern border amid fears of ELN rebel reprisals and a fresh wave of Venezuelan refugees. Nearly 3 million Venezuelans already live in Colombia, and reduced humanitarian funding complicates any emergency response. President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting.
Colombia on High Alert After U.S. Operation Captures Venezuela’s Maduro
Venezuelans leaving their country arrive at the border crossing in Cucuta, Colombia, after US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a 'large scale strike' on the South American country on January 3, 2026 [Schneyder Mendoza/AFP]
Medellin, Colombia — The reported removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in an early U.S. military operation has set off alarm across Colombia, where officials and analysts warn of potentially wide-ranging security and humanitarian consequences.
The Colombian government strongly condemned the strikes, which targeted military facilities and resulted in Maduro’s capture, and announced plans to bolster security along its 2,219-kilometre (1,378-mile) eastern land border — a region long associated with insurgency and cocaine production.
Emergency response and border security
President Gustavo Petro said an emergency national security meeting was convened at 3am (09:00 GMT). In a post on X, he wrote: "The Colombian government condemns the attack on the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America," and announced the mobilisation of state forces to secure the frontier and protect strategic assets, diplomatic facilities and civilian populations.
Risk of rebel retaliation
Security analysts have singled out the National Liberation Army (ELN) — Colombia's largest remaining armed group — as the principal national security threat in the immediate aftermath. The ELN controls large stretches of the Colombia–Venezuela border and is heavily involved in cross-border cocaine trafficking. Experts warn the group may view the U.S. intervention as a trigger for reprisals.
“There is a high risk now that the ELN will consider retaliation, including here in Colombia, against Western targets,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, deputy director for Latin America at Crisis Group International.
Colombia’s Ministry of Defence said: "All capabilities of the security forces have been activated to protect the population, strategic assets, embassies, military and police units, among others, as well as to prevent any attempted terrorist action by transnational criminal organisations, such as the ELN." Authorities have increased patrols and reinforced key installations along the border.
Humanitarian concerns and migration
Beyond security risks, officials fear a new wave of migration from Venezuela. Colombia already hosts nearly 3 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees of the roughly 8 million people who have fled the country. President Petro said humanitarian resources had been concentrated along the eastern border: "All the assistance resources at our disposal have been deployed in case of a mass influx of refugees."
Humanitarian response, however, faces constraints. Analysts note Colombia lost approximately 70% of certain humanitarian funding after the closure of some USAID programmes last year, complicating efforts to scale up shelter, food, medical care and asylum processing if large numbers arrive.
Juan Carlos Viloria, a leader in the Venezuelan diaspora in Colombia, urged proactive measures: "Colombia must prepare by activating protection mechanisms, humanitarian corridors, and asylum systems to prevent chaos and human rights violations at the border."
Diplomatic fallout and political context
The developments pose awkward questions for President Petro, who condemned the U.S. action while previously labelling Maduro a "dictator" and joining other nations in refusing to recognise Maduro’s contested 2024 re-election. Tensions with U.S. President Trump have escalated in recent months, with mutual criticism and sanctions further straining relations.
On Saturday, Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council; Colombia had joined the council as a temporary member only days earlier. "Colombia reaffirms its unconditional commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations," he posted on X.
Outlook
Analysts say the situation remains fluid. Colombia is preparing for both security contingencies and humanitarian needs while monitoring the potential for broader regional repercussions. The government’s immediate priorities are securing the border, protecting civilians and coordinating international diplomatic responses.
This story was published in conjunction with Latin America Reports.
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