US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions in Latin America, warning that Colombia could be the next country to face a military operation.
The president made the comments while traveling on Air Force One, emphasizing that the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela after capturing President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking to the press, Trump called Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro a “sick man” who “likes making cocaine” and issued a stark warning, telling him to “watch his a**.”
The statement comes after Petro criticized Washington’s intervention in Venezuela as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America.
“Colombia is very sick, too, run by a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, and he’s not going to be doing it very long,” Trump said.
When pressed on the possibility of a military operation, he added bluntly, “It sounds good to me.”
Trump’s remarks coincide with Venezuelan President Maduro’s first scheduled appearance in Manhattan’s federal court following his capture by US forces.
The operation has significantly heightened regional tension, prompting cautious responses from Venezuelan officials.
Earlier, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez urged diplomacy over confrontation.
“We prioritize moving towards balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela,” Rodriguez stated.
She added, “President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.
This has always been President Nicolás Maduro’s message, and it is the message of all of Venezuela right now.”
Moreover, Trump’s comments have sparked concerns about potential escalation in Latin America, with experts warning that further U.S. interventions could destabilize the region.
Meanwhile, the international community watches closely as Washington asserts control over Venezuela and warns neighboring states like Colombia.
The situation remains fluid, and any failure to comply with U.S. expectations could trigger serious consequences, according to Trump’s warning.
“If they don’t do what’s right, they will pay a very big price,” he previously remarked regarding Maduro and his allies.
