Colombian Minister Warns of Military Response to Foreign Aggression

Colombian Foreign Minister to Meet with US Leaders Amid Tensions

Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio is set to meet with US leaders following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Villavicencio stated that her country would respond militarily if its sovereignty was breached. She cited international law, which allows countries to defend themselves in the event of an attack.

The comments come as Latin America grapples with the aftermath of a US military operation in Venezuela on Saturday. The operation resulted in dozens of deaths and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump announced the operation, stating that it was aimed at reasserting American power in the region.

Trump also made comments comparing Venezuela to Colombia, suggesting that both countries are struggling with narcotics trafficking issues. He claimed that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is involved in cocaine production and sales, a claim disputed by Petro’s administration.

Petro has responded to Trump’s comments, warning that Latin America must unite to avoid being treated as a “servant and slave” to foreign interests. He also stated that he would take up arms again if Colombia faced foreign attack, despite having sworn off violence since the 1989 peace agreement.

Villavicencio emphasized in a statement that her country will defend its sovereignty at all costs. The meeting between Villavicencio and US leaders is expected to address the tensions between the two countries.

In related news, Trump has maintained that Maduro was involved in narcotics trafficking and blamed him for causing overdose deaths in the US. He also stated that he would consider a military operation against Colombia if necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera