UPDATE: In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued urgent warnings to Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba following a U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This bold move has drawn sharp condemnation from all three nations, which describe it as a grave violation of sovereignty.
Trump’s remarks, delivered during a phone interview with Fox News on July 15, 2023, come as he defends the raid, labeling Maduro as a “narco-terrorist.” When pressed on the implications for surrounding countries, Trump did not hold back, criticizing Colombian President Gustavo Petro, an ally of Maduro. “He has cocaine mills, he has factories where he makes cocaine,” Trump stated, adding a veiled threat, “he does have to watch his ass.”
The U.S. President also directed his ire towards Cuba, indicating that the U.S. intends to “help the people” of the “failing nation,” paralleling the situation in Venezuela. “It’s very similar in the sense that we want to help the people in Cuba, but we also want to help the people who were forced out of Cuba and are living in this country,” Trump elaborated.
In a further scathing assessment, Trump remarked on Mexico’s situation, claiming that drug cartels effectively control the nation. He criticized President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, accusing her of being “frightened” by the cartels. “They’re running Mexico. I’ve asked her numerous times: ‘Would you like us to take out the cartels?’ ‘No, no, no, Mr. President, no, no, no, please.’ So we have to do something,” Trump asserted.
The U.S. military action has prompted widespread backlash. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the intervention, asserting it “seriously jeopardizes regional stability” and emphasizing that Latin America must remain a “zone of peace.” Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel labeled the raid as “cowardly, criminal, and treacherous,” urging international condemnation.
Colombia’s President Petro expressed “deep concern” over the situation, reiterating his government’s rejection of any unilateral military action. The rising tensions underscore the fragility of regional relations and the potential for escalating conflict.
The implications of Trump’s statements are significant, as they signal a possible shift in U.S. policy towards Latin America. As the situation develops, observers are advised to monitor how these countries respond to the U.S. actions and Trump’s provocative comments.
This urgent development raises questions about the future of U.S.-Latin American relations and the potential for further military intervention. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
