Colombian President Petro Claims Escape from Assassination Attempt During Helicopter Travel with Daughters

Bogota. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stated that he survived an assassination attempt. He revealed on Tuesday that he escaped an assassination attempt while traveling by helicopter with his daughters.

He mentioned that for several months, he had been receiving warnings about conspiracies hatched by drug trafficking groups targeting him. According to Petro, he was unable to land his helicopter at his destination on Monday.

‘The day before, I could not land by plane because I was informed that there was a plan to shoot the helicopter I was traveling in with my daughters,’ he said. He added that the lights at the location where he was supposed to land were not even turned on.

‘I am trying to avoid being killed. That is why I was forced to immediately revise my travel plans,’ Petro said while addressing the cabinet meeting in the Cauca department. The helicopter carrying Petro was made to fly over the sea for a few hours, and security plans and routes were changed with the help of the Colombian Navy.

Petro linked this incident to the security threats that have been ongoing since last October. He also stated that there was an assassination attempt against him in 2024. Since taking office in August 2022, he has consistently claimed that drug trafficking gangs have been targeting him.

Meanwhile, violent incidents have increased in the country as presidential elections approach. On Tuesday, Senator Aida Quilcué, who is also an indigenous rights activist and human rights defender, was kidnapped along with her two security personnel in the Cauca department.

Security forces found the vehicle used by the kidnappers, but it was empty. According to analysts, targeted violence against President Petro and high-profile political leaders has added to security challenges before the election, especially in areas where drug-related violence and the influence of local rebel groups persist.

Petro expressed his commitment to remaining constantly vigilant about the security situation and taking further steps to ensure the safety of his family.