Trump warns Colombian president Petro saying “he’s going to be next”
"He's been fairly hostile to the United States. I haven't given a lot of thought. He's gonna have himself some big problems if he doesn't wise up. Colombia is producing a lot of drugs," Trump said, responding to a question about potential talks with Petro.
"They have cocaine factories that they make cocaine, as you know, and they sell it right into the United States. So he better wise up, or he'll be next. He'll be next soon. I hope he's listening. He's going to be next," he added.
For months, Trump has sought Maduro’s removal and has repeatedly criticized Petro, whom he has labeled an "illegal drug dealer." Wednesday’s statements represent the most direct suggestion yet from Trump that Petro could face US action unless he responds to Trump’s claims.
Petro has consistently rejected accusations of Colombian involvement in drug trafficking, arguing that his country continues to suffer losses in the ongoing drug war while being unfairly targeted. He has accused Trump of prioritizing control over oil resources rather than addressing illicit drug flows.
“(Oil) is at the heart of the matter,” Petro said last Tuesday, adding that Trump is “not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking.”
Trump also confirmed that a US operation seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, a move likely to further strain relations with Caracas.
In recent months, the US has intensified military operations throughout Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter jets, bombers, submarines, and drones to target alleged drug trafficking networks and their vessels. Since early September, 22 strikes on suspected “narco-terrorist” seaborne operations have killed at least 87 people in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Petro has vocally opposed these actions, which have also drawn criticism domestically, with lawmakers from both US political parties questioning their legality.
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