"He'll be next" Trump sharply threatens Colombian president
U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Colombia, publicly threatening its leader Gustavo Petro. Speaking to journalists, he said that Colombia produces significant amounts of drugs and that its president must «wake up», otherwise he will become Washington's next target. According to Trump, he hopes that Petro hears his warning. It is reported by The Public with reference to Politico.
This sharp escalation of the position was a continuation of Trump's statements about the possible expansion of his military operation against drug trafficking, which is currently focused on Venezuela. Earlier, he also mentioned potential actions against Mexico and Colombia. Since September, the US has carried out more than twenty strikes on ships in the Caribbean and Pacific that could be carrying drugs and has significantly increased its military presence in the region.
Tensions between Washington and Bogota have been rising since the autumn, when the US stripped Colombia of its status as a counter-narcotics partner, revoked President Petro's visa and cut financial aid. Maduro and Petro have repeatedly criticised US policy, but Trump continues to signal his willingness to use force.
Colombia is preparing for the presidential elections in May, so it is likely that the political crisis could develop without direct US involvement.
