UPDATE: Tensions escalate as President Donald Trump issues stern warnings to Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba following a controversial US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The comments, made on September 30, 2023, come amid widespread condemnation from Latin American leaders.
Trump characterized Maduro as a “narco-terrorist,” defending the US operation while highlighting the implications for neighboring nations. His remarks targeted Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom he accused of running cocaine factories, stating, “He does have to watch his ass.” The statement underscores the rising tensions in a region already fraught with instability.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump expressed concerns about the situation in Mexico, claiming that drug cartels effectively control the country. He described President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as “frightened” of the cartels, stating, “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.”
The military action has sparked outrage across Latin America. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the intervention, declaring it a serious threat to regional stability and asserting that Latin America must remain a “zone of peace.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the raid as “cowardly, criminal and treacherous,” calling for global condemnation of the US actions.
Colombian President Petro voiced “deep concern,” reaffirming his government’s rejection of any unilateral military action. His comments reflect the broader apprehension in the region regarding US interventionist policies, which many view as a potential violation of sovereignty.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic tensions rise. With the US asserting its influence in the region, the responses from Latin American leaders will be crucial in determining the next steps. Observers are now closely watching for any further developments in the region, especially regarding potential reactions from the governments of Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba.
As the international community grapples with the fallout from the US operation, the stakes continue to rise. The implications for regional cooperation and security are profound, as leaders navigate a landscape increasingly marked by military intervention and geopolitical strife.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
