US President Trump warns Colombia over alleged ties with Cuba

US President Donald Trump made comments during a flight on Sunday, stating that a potential military operation in Colombia “sounds good” to him. He also warned Mexico’s government to address the issue of drug trafficking, saying it is a significant problem.

Trump mentioned Venezuela and Cuba in his remarks, describing both countries as being in a state of crisis. He stated that the Venezuelan government was led by a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” Trump also expressed confidence that the Colombian government would soon face challenges.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to Trump’s comments, calling on Latin American countries to unite in order to avoid being treated as a “servant and slave.” Petro noted that the US has never bombed a South American capital before, but emphasized that revenge is not an option. Instead, he suggested that the region should focus on unity and cooperation.

The US government has taken action against Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, seizing him in Caracas under charges of “narco-terrorism.” Maduro denies the allegations, and critics claim the move was aimed at gaining control over Venezuela’s oil reserves.

Trump also reiterated his stance on Cuba, stating that the country is ready to fall due to its reliance on Venezuelan oil. He warned neighboring Mexico, saying it must address the issue of drug trafficking, which he described as a significant problem.

The US president has made previous comments about Colombia and Cuba, including threats against their governments. Trump has expressed his ambition to expand US influence in the Western Hemisphere, reviving the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine.

Source: Al Jazeera