Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated Tuesday night that he had sent a message to U.S President Donald Trump through intermediaries, warning that a military strike against neighboring Venezuela could drag his country toward a regional conflict. “The Gringos are mad if they think invading Venezuela will solve their problems,” said Petro. “I told Trump, through his emissaries, that it would be the worst mistake. “President Trump has been very clear and consistent,” she said. The Caribbean manoeuvre comes at a time when both Colombia and Venezuela are grappling with entrenched criminal economies and escalating violence.