‘Ready to expand operations beyond Venezuela, if required’: Trump threatens Cuba, Colombia, Mexico

The United States President Donald Trump has issued stern warnings to Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, accusing their governments of enabling drug trafficking, cartel violence, and regional instability.

‘Ready to expand operations beyond Venezuela, if required’: Trump threatens Cuba, Colombia, Mexico

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One. (Photo/US Network Pool via Reuters)

The United States President Donald Trump has issued stern warnings to Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, accusing their governments of enabling drug trafficking, cartel violence, and regional instability. He signalled that Washington’s patience is running out as security threats intensify in the Western Hemisphere.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said the United States is prepared to take decisive action if these countries fail to curb narcotics production, cross-border crime, and cartel influence.

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Cuba is ready to fall, claims Trump

Focusing on Cuba, Trump claimed Havana’s position has weakened sharply following a recent US operation in Venezuela, which he said has cut off a major economic lifeline.

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“Cuba now has no income,” Trump said, asserting that the island nation had relied heavily on Venezuelan oil supplies. “They got all of their income from Venezuela and Cuba literally is ready to fall.”

While ruling out immediate US military intervention, Trump suggested that internal collapse may be inevitable. “We are not going in. I think it is just going to fall. It is going down for the count,” he said, adding that many Cuban Americans would welcome such an outcome.

Hints at launching an operation against Colombia

Trump made a strong remark against Colombia, accusing its leadership of allowing large-scale cocaine production destined for the United States.
“Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” Trump alleged.

Asked whether Washington could launch an operation in response, Trump replied, “It sounds good to me,” adding that the current situation would not last long. “He’s not going to be doing it very long,” he said.

The US President linked Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba as part of what he described as a regional drug network. “We had a drug caliphate in our backyard,” Trump said, claiming the US is now dismantling it.

Mexico ‘run by cartels, says Trump

Turning to Mexico, Trump said powerful drug cartels continue to dominate large parts of the country, accusing the government of failing to confront them effectively.
“The cartels are running Mexico, whether you like it or not,” Trump said. “It’s not nice to say, but the cartels are running Mexico.”

He claimed he has repeatedly offered US military assistance to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to fight drug trafficking. “Every single time I talked to her, I offered to send troops,” Trump said, adding that the offers were declined.

“She is concerned. She is a little afraid,” he remarked.

Trump warned that unless Mexico acts more decisively, consequences could follow, noting that illegal drugs continue to flow into the US through Mexican territory. “Mexico has to get their act together,” he said.

The President said Washington remains prepared to expand operations beyond Venezuela if required. “We were prepared to do a second strike,” Trump said, adding that the option remains on the table if regional governments fail to “behave.”

Trump insisted the objective is regional stability, not occupation. “We’re in the business of having countries around us that are viable and successful,” he said.

The comments underscore Trump’s readiness to use economic pressure, military options, and blunt diplomatic warnings to reshape US relations with neighbouring countries he views as threats to American security.

Also read: How the US captured Nicolas Maduro in 2 hours and 20 minutes

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