Could other world leaders face the same fate as Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro? Recent statements by US President Donald Trump suggest that this may be possible. Even before 'Operation Absolute Resolve' in Venezuela, Trump issued a warning directed at Colombian President Gustavo Petro, one of Maduro's closest allies. Washington has indicated that it is closely watching Colombia's leadership.
Experts now fear that the Trump administration could use drug-related cases as a tool to take legal action against other Latin American countries, including Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia.
Trump's warning to Latin America
Without naming specific leaders, Trump warned other countries during a media interaction. He said that those who are making cocaine and sending it to America should be careful now. They should be careful to save themselves. At the same time, Trump announced that the United States would run Venezuela's government until stability is restored.
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On Saturday night, under the cover of darkness, elite US Delta Force troops entered Venezuela's presidential residence and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores. US Attorney General Pam Bondi later said that Maduro will face trial in a US federal court. He has been charged with narco-terrorism and other serious offences, including bearing arms against the United States.
Global reaction and rising tensions
Several countries, including Russia, Iran, Mexico, and Cuba, strongly condemned the US operation, calling it a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also criticised the move, saying it was an attack on Latin America's independence and could trigger a major regional crisis.
Petro, a close ally of Maduro, had earlier opposed the US deployment of warships in the Caribbean Sea. While Trump claimed the naval buildup was meant to stop drug trafficking, critics argue it signals growing military pressure in the region.
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According to a report by Axios, Trump has stepped up pressure on what he calls Venezuela's 'troublesome neighbours.' He described Cuba as a 'failed state' and accused Mexico of being run by drug cartels, saying, "We have to do something." Trump also claimed there are three major cocaine factories in Colombia and accused President Petro of being linked to cocaine production, charges similar to those made against Maduro.
