“White House expands anti-drug campaign, tensions with Bogotá continue to escalate.”, — write: www.unian.ua
White House expands anti-drug campaign, tensions with Bogotá continue to escalate.
Trump threatened the president of another country / OP photoUS President Donald Trump made a harsh statement about Colombian President Gustavo Petro, effectively threatening him as part of his regional campaign against drug trafficking. During a conversation with journalists, Trump said that Petro could become the “next” object of pressure from Washington, writes Politico.
At first he brushed off the question, saying that he “didn’t think much about” Peter. But in a few seconds he turned to a direct threat:
“Colombia produces a lot of drugs. So he better smarten up or he’ll be next. He’ll be next soon. I hope he’s listening, he’ll be next.”
Part of a wider US operationTrump’s statements became the sharpest escalation of his threats against the leader of Colombia. Earlier this week, in an interview with Politico, the US president outlined plans to expand the military operation against drug trafficking from Venezuela to Mexico and Colombia.
Since September, the U.S. has already carried out a series of strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, and has increased its military presence off the coast of Venezuela to pressure Nicolas Maduro.
Sharp deterioration of relations with BogotáTensions between Washington and Bogota increased in the fall. The Trump administration:
- deprived Colombia of the status of a partner in drug control,
- canceled Peter’s visa,
- reduced financial aid,
- called the President of Colombia an “illegal drug dealer”.
The USA does not hide that they would like to see Petro’s resignation. However, this can happen without American intervention: the Colombian leader’s term is coming to an end, and the country is preparing for presidential elections in May.
The Colombian embassy has not yet commented on Trump’s statement.
The United States’ fight against drug traffickingAs UNIAN reported, the US is actively expanding its campaign against drug trafficking in Latin America. Washington is conducting strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, building up a military presence off the coast of Venezuela and announcing tougher policies against countries the White House says are not doing enough to counter drug production and transit.
The Trump administration has already revised partnership and aid statuses for several countries in the region, stepping up pressure as part of a broader fight against drug trafficking.
In addition, the US announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace. The White House is demanding that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro leave the country.
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