DHAKA: United States President Donald Trump has issued fresh threats against Colombia and Cuba, raising fears of expanded US military intervention in Latin America following Washington’s controversial seizure of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump sharply criticised Colombian President Gustavo Petro, describing Colombia as “very sick” and accusing its leader of involvement in cocaine production and trafficking to the United States.
Referring to Petro, Trump said he would not remain in power for long and, when asked whether a US military operation in Colombia was being considered, replied, “Sounds good to me.”
The remarks prompted a swift response from Petro, who called on Latin American nations to unite or risk being treated as “servants and slaves.” In a statement posted on X, Petro recalled that the United States was the first country to bomb a South American capital, warning that the historical wound remains open even if retaliation is not the answer.
Petro urged the region to strengthen unity, trade ties, and global engagement, rather than looking exclusively toward Washington.
Trump’s comments came a day after US forces detained Maduro in Caracas in what Washington described as a law enforcement operation linked to 2020 narco-terrorism charges. Critics, however, argue the move was aimed at securing control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The operation has been described as the most controversial US intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Despite Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, Trump insisted the United States was “in charge” of the country and warned that US troops could return if Venezuela “doesn’t behave.”
Trump also turned his attention to Cuba, claiming the island nation is nearing collapse due to the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies. While ruling out immediate military intervention, he said Cuba was “ready to fall” and predicted satisfaction among Cuban Americans hostile to the Havana government.
Mexico was also warned, with Trump accusing drug cartels of effectively controlling the country. While praising Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum personally, he said he had repeatedly offered to deploy US troops to help combat drug trafficking.
Trump’s rhetoric follows earlier remarks in which he warned Petro to “watch his a**” and described Cuba as a failing nation. Analysts say the comments reflect a broader effort to reassert US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, reviving a modern version of the Monroe Doctrine—what Trump has dubbed the “Don-roe Doctrine.”
Several governments, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain, issued a joint statement expressing “profound concern” over the US operation in Venezuela. The countries condemned the unilateral use of force, warning it sets a dangerous precedent and threatens regional stability and civilian lives.
Experts say it remains unclear whether Trump intends to act on his threats or use them as leverage. Some analysts believe the administration is pursuing a broader strategy to weaken left-wing governments across Latin America while backing right-leaning allies.
While further US military action appears uncertain, analysts suggest Cuba remains the most vulnerable target due to longstanding US hostility toward its government and strong opposition among Cuban Americans.
