Trump's Warning on Drug Trafficking Ignites Diplomatic Firestorm with Colombia
A sharp diplomatic exchange has erupted between the United States and Colombia following a stern warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Trump declared that any nation involved in sending illegal drugs into the United States could face military action. This incendiary statement, made during a cabinet meeting, specifically cited cocaine shipments from Colombia, asserting that such countries are "subject to attack."
Context of US Anti-Drug Operations
The remarks come amidst ongoing U.S. military operations, including missile strikes, against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have reportedly resulted in dozens of fatalities in recent months.
Colombia's President Petro Responds Forcefully
Colombian President Gustavo Petro swiftly countered Trump's aggressive posture via a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). Petro passionately defended Colombia's efforts, highlighting that his country dismantles a drug-production laboratory every 40 minutes "without missiles." He extended an ironic invitation to Trump:
"Come to Colombia, Mr. Trump, I invite you, so that you can participate in the destruction of the 9 laboratories we do daily to prevent cocaine from reaching the US."
Petro further challenged Trump, stating:
"Without missiles, I have destroyed 18,400 laboratories during my government; come with me and I'll show you how they are destroyed, one laboratory every 40 minutes, but do not threaten our sovereignty, because you will awaken the Jaguar. Attacking our sovereignty is declaring war; do not damage two centuries of diplomatic relations."
He also accused Trump of previous slander and emphasized Colombia's significant role in preventing cocaine from reaching North American consumers.
Regional Tensions and Venezuela Accusations
This heated exchange unfolds against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean, with the Trump administration previously accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of facilitating drug flows into the U.S. – allegations Maduro has consistently denied. Trump had also hinted at potential U.S. intervention in Venezuela. His recent broadened warning indicated that other nations, not just Venezuela, could face similar U.S. action.
Trump reiterated his stance on Colombia, remarking, "I hear the country of Colombia is making cocaine, they have cocaine manufacturing plants, and then they sell us their cocaine." President Petro, who had faced sanctions during the Trump administration, firmly restated his red line:
"Do not threaten our sovereignty, or you will awake the Jaguar… Attacking our sovereignty is declaring war."
The diplomatic spat underscores deep-seated disagreements on drug policy and national sovereignty between the two nations.