(Washington, D.C.) U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Monday that he might expand the scope of military strikes against drug trafficking in Latin America from Venezuela to land targets in Colombia and even Mexico. This has unsettled markets and raised questions about the U.S. government's strategy in the region.
Trump had previously hinted that the U.S. was considering direct strikes against targets in Venezuela, raising concerns in Washington that he might escalate the military conflict without congressional authorization.
Trump said on Monday (November 17): "There are cocaine factories in Colombia. Am I going to destroy those factories?... I didn't say I would, but I would be proud of it."
He also said he might seek authorization from Congress. "Both Democrats and Republicans would agree, unless they're crazy, and the Democrats are a bit crazy."
He even said he might deploy ground troops to Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with Mexico's efforts in combating drugs.
Further Reading
Trump has repeatedly criticized Mexico for its ineffective drug enforcement, leading to the proliferation of drugs like fentanyl in the United States. His latest remarks have further impacted the Mexican peso, causing it to fall to an intraday low. Mexico has not yet responded.
Trump said he is willing to speak directly with Venezuelan President Maduro, but warned that he "doesn't like anyone in Venezuela."
Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the US military action in the Caribbean is aimed at overthrowing his regime. However, he responded on Monday that he is willing to engage in face-to-face dialogue with any American who wishes to speak with him. He reiterated: "Free nations should understand each other through diplomacy and seek common ground through dialogue. This is Venezuela's unwavering position."
Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela's neighbor, conducted joint exercises with the US on Sunday (16th). This is the second joint exercise between the two countries in less than a month.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Pesade de Vicesar said that Trinidad and Tobago territory will not be allowed to be used to attack Venezuela, and the US has never requested it. She emphasized that the US and Venezuela should resolve their differences through dialogue.
Since September, the United States has been continuously cracking down on drug trafficking ships in the Caribbean Sea, and recently deployed its largest aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Ford, to the area to intensify its anti-drug operations. To date, the U.S. military has launched 21 attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in more than 80 deaths.
