Colombia Rejects Trump’s Military Threat Over Drug Trafficking

Colombia firmly rejected statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential use of military action in the South American country under the guise of combating drug trafficking. The Colombian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on March 12, 2024, asserting that any threat of external aggression against Colombia violates the country’s dignity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

The ministry emphasized, “Colombia continues with its unwavering commitment to the fight against drug trafficking.” It called for unity among Latin American nations, urging, “We make an urgent call for fraternity between Latin America and the Caribbean so that as Latin American fraternal peoples, unity prevails in the face of any attempt at external intervention that seeks to undermine sovereignty.”

Trump’s remarks, made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House earlier on the same day, suggested that countries involved in drug trafficking, including Colombia, could be “subject to attack.” These comments came amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, as the Trump administration evaluates military options in the region.

Concerns about U.S. military strikes have been voiced in Congress, where bipartisan discussions are ongoing regarding potential military action off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Trump administration has characterized these waters as significant drug trafficking routes. Lawmakers are currently reviewing reports indicating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally ordered a second strike on an alleged drug smuggling vessel, which critics argue could constitute a war crime due to its implications for civilian casualties.

In response to Trump’s comments, Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media platform X, inviting Trump to visit Colombia. He stated, “Come to Colombia, Mr. Trump, I invite you, so that you can participate in the destruction of the nine laboratories we do daily to prevent cocaine from reaching the U.S.” This invitation underscores Colombia’s commitment to addressing the drug trafficking issue while asserting its sovereignty.

As this situation develops, Colombia’s government has reiterated its stance on maintaining national sovereignty and pursuing diplomatic solutions. The international community will be closely monitoring the implications of Trump’s statements and their potential impact on U.S.-Colombian relations.