WASHINGTON — Tensions between the United States and Colombia flared Saturday after the State Department revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing “reckless and incendiary actions” during a protest in New York where he urged U.S. soldiers to disobey President Donald Trump’s orders.

Petro, in the city for the U.N. General Assembly, joined a Friday demonstration over the war in Gaza.

“I ask all the soldiers of the United States’ army, don’t point your rifles against humanity,” he said. “Disobey the orders of Trump.”

The State Department announced on social media that Petro’s visa had been revoked but did not clarify whether the move forced him to cut short his trip.

He returned to Colombia on Saturday. Officials also declined to say if the action would affect future U.S. visits.

Petro dismissed the measure, writing online that “I don’t care” since he also holds European Union citizenship and does not need a U.S. visa to travel.

“Humanity must be free around the world,” he added.

Colombia, a longstanding U.S. ally in Latin America, has faced repeated strains under Petro’s leadership.

Earlier this year, he resisted deportation flights using American military aircraft, prompting Trump to threaten tariffs and visa suspensions before Bogotá relented.

The U.S. also accused Colombia earlier this month of failing to cooperate with counter-narcotics operations, a rare rebuke that stopped short of sanctions but angered Petro.

He said his country had already lost “policemen, soldiers and regular citizens, trying to stop cocaine” from reaching American shores.

Petro, a leftist and former rebel leader known for his fiery speeches, has repeatedly clashed with Trump’s Republican administration, complicating ties with Washington even as the U.S. remains Colombia’s largest trading partner. — Agencies