Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly defended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's role in combating drug trafficking, asserting that Venezuela has contributed decisively to defeating narcotics operations along their shared border. Petro expressed concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to drug cartels, criticizing the strategy of allocating funds to kill or capture political leaders. He also revealed that he has initiated dialogue outside Colombia with the Clan del Golfo, the country's largest drug trafficking organization. Meanwhile, Venezuela's Presidential Honor Guard condemned what they termed as intrusive statements from the United States. Venezuelan President Maduro thanked Honduran President Xiomara Castro for her message rejecting unfounded accusations against Venezuela and emphasized the friendship between the two nations. Castro also publicly defended Maduro against U.S. criticisms, describing them as unjustified attacks and expressing solidarity with Venezuela. Bolivian President Luis Arce condemned U.S. actions toward Maduro, labeling them as unacceptable offenses and colonialist practices. Additionally, Colombian authorities captured an Italian drug lord acting as a liaison between Colombian and Ecuadorian narcotics groups. U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar criticized Honduran President Castro and Maduro, accusing them of posing a threat to democracy. The international discourse reflects heightened tensions surrounding U.S. policies on drug trafficking and regional political alliances in Latin America.