Former Colombian President Backs US Strikes Against Maduro’s Cartel

BREAKING: Former Colombian President Iván Duque has just announced his support for U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan drug trafficking operations linked to President Nicolás Maduro. In an urgent interview with FRANCE 24, Duque rejected current Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s condemnation of these operations as “murder,” emphasizing the necessity of precision strikes against the notorious Cartel de los Soles.

Duque stated, “If the U.S. uses its capacity to carry out interdiction, I think it is lawful.” His comments come as tensions rise over drug trafficking in the region, with Venezuela increasingly viewed as a hub for illicit narcotics. The former president’s remarks underscore a significant shift in Colombian political dialogue regarding U.S. intervention in combating drug cartels.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: As drug-related violence surges in Colombia, the support from Duque for U.S. military action may influence ongoing discussions about international cooperation against drug trafficking. His endorsement signals a potential escalation in U.S. involvement, which could lead to heightened military operations in the region.

Duque described Maduro as “a dictator who is now the head of the Cartel de los Soles,” framing the issue as a critical battle against organized crime. The former leader’s call for action aligns with broader regional concerns over the impact of drug trafficking on security and governance in Latin America.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The response from the Colombian government under Petro, who has expressed concerns about U.S. military intervention, will be crucial in the coming days. Observers are closely monitoring how this debate will evolve, especially given the implications for Colombia’s relationship with the United States and its approach to drug policy.

As this story develops, the potential for increased military operations raises questions about the humanitarian impact on Venezuelan citizens and the broader geopolitical ramifications in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.