Petro Claims Escape from Assassination Plot

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

President Gustavo Petro reported escaping a plot to shoot down his helicopter while traveling with his daughters. He aborted a scheduled landing on Colombia’s Caribbean coast after being warned that gunmen were waiting to open fire.

The incident happened during a trip to the Cordoba Department to manage a flood-related emergency.

Petro revealed that the landing site was left in total darkness, forcing him to make a sudden, tactical change to his flight path.

To avoid the threat, the aircraft flew over the open sea for several hours before landing safely under Navy protection.

Petro attributed the plot to drug cartels that he says have targeted him since he took office in 2022.

Regarding his safety, President Petro stated, “I’m trying to escape being killed. That’s why I couldn’t arrive on time last night, because I couldn’t land where I had said. This morning, I couldn’t land where I was supposed to either, because there was information that the helicopter was going to be shot at.”

The attempt follows a surge in violence, including the recent kidnapping of Senator Aida Quilcue.

Security experts warn that political instability is rising as the country prepares for upcoming legislative and presidential elections.

Despite the danger, Petro has vowed to continue his official duties across the country. Security forces have since heightened protection levels for the president and other top officials to counter the influence of criminal groups.