Trump threatens 3 Latin American countries

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against three more Latin American countries following a military operation in Venezuela that allegedly led to the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The countries are Mexico, Colombia and Cuba.

During the operation late Saturday night, the couple were reportedly taken from their official residence in Caracas and transferred to a federal prison in New York City. Hours later, Trump told Fox News in a telephone interview that the US military could carry out further operations against Mexico, Colombia and Cuba.

Referring to Maduro as a “narco-terrorist”, Trump said similar allegations apply to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, claiming cocaine production and trafficking networks operate in Colombia. On Cuba, he said it is a failed state and that the US wants to help the Cuban people.

Regarding Mexico, Trump alleged the country is controlled by drug cartels and claimed President Claudia Sheinbaum lacks the courage to act against them.

Mexico, Cuba and Colombia reacted strongly. Mexico said Trump is seeking to endanger peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the operation cowardly and criminal, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his country would use all its strength against US aggression.