US President Donald Trump has threatened a second strike on Venezuela “if they don’t behave” and put Mexico on notice, as he signalled a potential military operation in Colombia.
Trump said US forces were prepared to continue strikes in Caracas as part of the operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, and didn’t rule out further action should Venezuela, now under interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, fail to co-operate with his administration.
Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One.Credit: AP
“We were prepared to do a second strike if needed, we’re totally prepared, we’re still prepared,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “It’s not [off the table], if they don’t behave, we will do a second strike.”
Trump also called on Mexico to “get their act together” amid the cartel activity he said was “pouring” through the nation, and reiterated his offer to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for the deployment of American troops on Mexican soil.
“We’re going to have to do something, we’d love for Mexico to do it, they’re capable of doing it, but unfortunately the cartels are very strong in Mexico,” Trump said.
“I like Claudia, I think she’s a terrific person, I’d say every time I speak to her, I offer to send troops … she’s considering [the offer], she’s a little concerned, a little afraid, the cartels are running Mexico.”