Trump Broadens Drug War rhetoric,Threatening Colombia Alongside venezuela
US President Donald Trump is expanding his aggressive stance against drug smuggling,now directly targeting Colombia along with Venezuela. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has strongly condemned the threats to his countryS sovereignty.
Trump stated after a cabinet meeting that reports of cocaine production in Colombian factories destined for the US could lead to military action.”Anyone who does this and sells it into our country will face attack,” he said, clarifying the threat wasn’t limited to Venezuela. This prompted sharp criticism from Colombian leadership.
For weeks, the Trump administration has escalated pressure on Venezuela, deploying additional troops and warships to the caribbean and authorizing covert CIA operations purportedly aimed at disrupting drug trafficking. These operations have reportedly resulted in over 80 deaths in attacks on suspected smuggling vessels.
The US actions are facing criticism as potential violations of international law, though the Trump administration defends them as a legitimate fight against “drug terrorists.” Some observers suggest ulterior motives, including a potential forced regime change in Venezuela and access to the nation’s oil reserves.
Tensions further escalated after President Petro claimed a Colombian fisherman was killed by US military forces during the operation, leading him to suspend intelligence sharing with the United States. Petro warned Trump against threatening Colombia’s sovereignty, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Attacks on our sovereignty are a declaration of war.” he invited Trump to visit Colombia to witness the country’s ongoing efforts to destroy drug labs.
Relations between Bogotá and Washington are increasingly strained, with the US accusing Petro of insufficient action against drug cartels and imposing sanctions on the Colombian leader.
(Source: dpa/fro)
