Kathrine Frich
The dramatic US operation in Venezuela has triggered global shockwaves and raised urgent questions about what could come next.
With President Nicolás Maduro now in US custody, attention is turning to other countries singled out by Donald Trump and his administration.
Recent comments from Washington suggest Venezuela may not be the final target of American pressure.
After Caracas
Maduro was seized over the weekend and now faces weapons and drugs charges in the United States.
The operation involved explosions in Caracas and low-flying aircraft over the capital, marking one of the most aggressive US actions in the region in decades.
“This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history,” Trump said after the strike.
He added that the US would “run” Venezuela during a transition period, with Delcy Rodríguez named as interim leader.
Since then, Trump has openly hinted that other countries could face similar action.
Greenland tensions
Denmark has emerged as a flashpoint after Trump renewed comments about Greenland, the autonomous Arctic territory within the Danish kingdom.
“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” Trump told reporters.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded sharply, saying:
“It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland.”
She urged Washington to stop threatening “a historically close ally” and stressed that Greenland is “not for sale”.
Pressure on Cuba
Cuba is another country under growing US scrutiny. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the communist government in Havana is “in a lot of trouble”, according to NBC.
While refusing to outline specific next steps, Rubio said it was no secret the US opposed the Cuban leadership, adding that it had supported Maduro’s rule in Venezuela.
Cuba is led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and operates under a one-party political system.
Colombia in the crosshairs
Colombia has also been targeted by Trump’s rhetoric. In October, the US imposed sanctions on President Gustavo Petro, his family and a government official over allegations linked to the global drug trade.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Colombia was “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States”.
When asked directly whether this could mean a US operation against Colombia, Trump replied: “Sounds good to me.”
Sources: Daily Express, NBC
