August 
War of words between US and Latin America.
War of words between US and Latin America.
Tensions rise as Colombian vessel bombed in US-led Caribbean strike
Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, has accused the United States of bombing a Colombian ship during a recent military operation in the Caribbean.
The strike, authorised by President Donald Trump, was part of a wider crackdown on suspected drug trafficking.
Petro warned that the action could trigger a dangerous escalation, calling it a new war scenario that threatens the broader Latin American region.
Petro: US attack ‘an aggression against all of Latin America’
In a strongly worded post on X, President Petro condemned the bombing, framing it not just as an attack on Colombia, but as a broader act of aggression against Latin America and the Caribbean.
Trump confirms strike, cites drug trafficking as justification
President Trump confirmed the strike during a televised announcement, claiming the bombed vessel was involved in transporting illegal narcotics.
He praised the military’s efforts, saying, “We blew the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water.”
Trump added, “There are no boats in the water anymore. You can’t find them.” The ship was reportedly near the Venezuelan coast at the time of the attack.
Fourth strike in weeks prompts fears of deepening conflict
This latest attack marks the fourth US strike in the Caribbean in recent weeks, part of what the Trump administration calls a crackdown on transnational drug cartels.
However, the repeated use of military force has raised alarms in Latin American capitals and drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers.
White House defends strikes amid pushback from Congress
The White House insists the strikes are legal under the president’s authority to combat terrorist threats.
In a memo sent to Congress, the administration said the US is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug trafficking organisations designated as terrorist groups.
But lawmakers are pushing back, with a War Powers resolution now in the works to curb military operations without congressional approval.
Venezuela condemns ‘warlike aggression’ and vows to respond
According to the newspaper Exspress Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez labelled the strikes “warlike aggression,” accusing the US of extrajudicial killings in Latin American waters.
President Nicolás Maduro echoed her sentiments, declaring that Venezuela was prepared to move from “an unarmed struggle to an armed struggle” if necessary. He stated firmly, “Colonialism no more.”
Critics slam Trump’s policy as dangerous and unconstitutional
Several US lawmakers have criticised the legality of the strikes, Senator Rand Paul also called for an end to the bombings, warning against military overreach and unintended consequences.
Regional instability looms as war of words escalates
With Colombia publicly accusing the US, Venezuela threatening armed resistance, and critics at home challenging Trump’s authority, tensions in the Caribbean continue to rise.
Observers warn that without de-escalation, the region could tip into a broader conflict — one with serious political and humanitarian implications for the hemisphere.
This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation
