Washington: President Donald Trump has warned that any country involved in sending illegal drugs into the United States could face military action. His comments came as his administration continues to expand a controversial campaign targeting suspected drug traffickers in international waters and near the US border.
Trump spoke during an event in Washington and said that his warning applied to all nations, not just Venezuela or Colombia. He said the United States had the right to defend itself and said the drug crisis was a national security threat. He also suggested that upcoming operations may not be limited to strikes on boats at sea but could include action against drug networks on foreign soil.
The United States has already carried out multiple missile strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September. According to US military reports, dozens of suspected traffickers have been killed in those operations. The campaign is part of Operation Southern Spear, a military-led anti narcotics program launched last month.
Trump’s new warning has sparked international concern, especially in Latin America where several governments have criticised the strategy. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his country already destroys drug laboratories regularly and accused Washington of threatening national sovereignty. He said Colombia will not accept any military action inside its borders.
Human rights groups and legal experts have also raised questions about the operations. They argue that the strikes lack transparency, bypass judicial process and risk escalating conflict with sovereign nations. Some foreign policy analysts say the United States is moving toward a military based drug enforcement strategy rather than diplomatic or internal policing cooperation.
Supporters of the policy in the US say drastic action is needed because drug trafficking continues to fuel gang violence and overdose deaths. Some Caribbean and Central American governments have expressed cautious support, saying cartels have become too powerful and international action may help weaken them.
However, several countries remain wary. Diplomats in the region say there is growing fear that the policy could expand into a wider military confrontation if land operations begin.
The White House has not confirmed when further actions will take place but officials say planning is ongoing. As of now, it remains unclear whether additional nations may be directly named or whether new military authorisations will be announced.
The situation continues to develop as governments across the Americas respond to what could become one of the most aggressive US anti narcotics campaigns in recent decades.