US President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in the 'near future', shortly after he commented that a military operation targeting Colombia 'sounds good'. This announcement comes amidst a tumultuous backdrop of US military actions in Venezuela, where a raid targeting President Nicolás Maduro resulted in significant casualties.
During the call between the two leaders, Petro addressed the issues surrounding drugs and other disagreements, which are critical given Colombia's centrality in the region's cocaine trade and its economic resources. Trump acknowledged Petro's tone as 'appreciative' despite previous warnings, where he had cautioned Petro to 'watch his ass'.
Amidst the turmoil, Caracas reported that the death toll from the US operation had significantly exceeded initial claims, sparking outrage from Maduro's government. Following these events, Trump described Petro as a 'sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States'. In a potential warning and retaliatory stance, Petro cautioned that Colombia would respond with force should any military action be directed against it.
The discussions are set against the backdrop of mounting tensions surrounding drug trafficking. The US Treasury has previously imposed sanctions on Petro's administration, citing an increase in cocaine production since he took office. Despite these challenges, Petro remains steadfast in his claim of combating drug trafficking effectively.
In a bid to improve relations, Trump's conversation with Petro concluded with plans for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate Petro's travel to Washington for their upcoming meeting.
During the call between the two leaders, Petro addressed the issues surrounding drugs and other disagreements, which are critical given Colombia's centrality in the region's cocaine trade and its economic resources. Trump acknowledged Petro's tone as 'appreciative' despite previous warnings, where he had cautioned Petro to 'watch his ass'.
Amidst the turmoil, Caracas reported that the death toll from the US operation had significantly exceeded initial claims, sparking outrage from Maduro's government. Following these events, Trump described Petro as a 'sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States'. In a potential warning and retaliatory stance, Petro cautioned that Colombia would respond with force should any military action be directed against it.
The discussions are set against the backdrop of mounting tensions surrounding drug trafficking. The US Treasury has previously imposed sanctions on Petro's administration, citing an increase in cocaine production since he took office. Despite these challenges, Petro remains steadfast in his claim of combating drug trafficking effectively.
In a bid to improve relations, Trump's conversation with Petro concluded with plans for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate Petro's travel to Washington for their upcoming meeting.
