Category World News

Latin America has been shocked by the violence in Venezuela and the weekend’s abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, who many nations fear will return to a time of overt American interventionism.

Mexico, the US’s neighbor and long-time allies, is especially concerned about these concerns.

US President Donald Trump cited Venezuela as one of several nations that, in addition to Cuba and Colombia, were highlighted in remarks following the deadly attack on Venezuela on Saturday, which was widely denounced as a violation of international law.

Trump suggested that in order to combat drug traffickers, the US should launch military assaults on Mexican territory.

After Venezuela’s strikes, Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Saturday morning that “something has to be done with Mexico.”

He continued, “She is very afraid of the cartels,” adding that “President Claudia Sheinbaum” They “rule Mexico,” they say.

We are sovereign and free.

Sheinbaum has firmly affirmed Mexican sovereignty in response to Trump’s threats.

In remarks to the media on Monday, Sheinbaum declared, “We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.”

She continued, “It is necessary to reaffirm that the people of Mexico are our citizens and that we are a free and sovereign nation.” “Cooperation, yes, subordination, and intervention, no.

Mexican leaders have straddled the line between defending their interests from potential US encroachment and seeking&nbsp, fruitful relations with their powerful northern neighbour.

The Trump administration’s rhetoric and policies have drawn parallels to earlier periods of imperial intervention, making that balancing act more challenging.

According to Pablo Piccato, a professor of Mexican history at Columbia University, “there has historically been a history of US intervention that is part of the story of Mexican nationalism.”

Many of those incidents are etched deeply into the nation’s national memory. In 1846, the US fought a war with Mexico, annexing vast tracts of territory, including those in modern-day California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

US Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson collaborated with conservative forces in Mexico to overthrow the nation’s reforming president between 1910 and 1920.

In addition, US forces bombed Veracruz in 1914 and sent troops to northern Mexico to capture revolutionary leader Pancho Villa.

These are regarded as significant historical moments in Mexico, according to Piccato.

“Poorfirio Diaz, the president of Mexico, said, “Poor Mexico.” The United States is so far away from God and so close.

Trump has made a recent statement that ties his current agenda to his own regional history. He cited the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century rule that the US has used to assert its dominance over the Western Hemisphere, when he announced the strike on Saturday.

“The Monroe Doctrine is significant, but we have overrode it in many ways, really by many.” Trump remarked that they now refer to it as the “Donroe Doctrine.”

The US State Department also shared a picture of Trump on social media with the caption “This is OUR hemisphere” on Monday.

“Balancing on a thin wire,” you say.

Sheinbaum has not been able to concession Trump on important issues like immigration, security, and commerce despite insisting on Mexican sovereignty.

Sheinbaum agreed to send 10,000 Mexican National Guard personnel to her nation’s US border in February when Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Mexico has also cooperated with US efforts to stop organized crime, including by bringing some drug traffickers to their homes.

For instance, the US government extradited 29 criminal suspects who were charged with drug trafficking and other crimes in February. The Trump administration formally thanked the organization for sending 26 additional suspects to the US in August, which was a thankless accomplishment.

Some Mexicans attribute policies to increasing violence and insecurity to the hardline stances that Washington has historically pressed for in Mexico.

Sheinbaum has praised Trump for managing relations, but she has consistently stated that a unilateral US military strike on Mexican territory would be against the law.

According to experts, Sheinbaum’s willingness to work with the US government should compel it to refrain from attacking Mexico.

Stephanie Brewer, the director of the Mexico program at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a research organization with a US presence, said, “Sheinbaum has gone out of her way to cooperate with the US.” By breaking Mexico’s one red line, there is no reason to break our bilateral relationship.

The Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive policy toward Latin America has been brought up by the strikes on Venezuela.

According to Brewer, “I don’t believe US strikes on Mexican territory are any more or less likely than they were before the attacks in Venezuela.” However, they make it abundantly clear that the Trump administration’s threats must be taken seriously and that the US is willing to use military force in violation of international law.

The United States has raised the prospect of using military force to take control of Greenland as leaders in Europe and Canada rallied behind the Arctic territory, saying it belongs to its people.

In a statement on Tuesday, the White House said that US President Donald Trump sees acquiring Greenland, which is part of Denmark, as a national security priority, necessary to “deter our adversaries in the Arctic region”.

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the ​US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal”, it said.

Any attempt by the US to seize Greenland from longtime ally Denmark would send shockwaves through the NATO alliance and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders.

The opposition has not deterred Trump, however.

His interest in Greenland, initially aired in 2019 during his first term in office, has been rekindled following the US’s abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an attack on Caracas.

Emboldened by the operation, Trump has said that “American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again”, and has stepped up pressure on both Colombia and Cuba. He has also argued that controlling Greenland is vital to US national security, claiming the island “is covered with Russian and Chinese ships” and that Denmark lacks the capacity to protect it.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, but with a population of just 57, 000 people, has repeatedly said it does not ‍want to be part of the US.

Its strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a critical site for the US ballistic missile defence system, while its mineral wealth aligns with Washington’s ambition to reduce reliance on Chinese exports.

Greenland ‘ belongs to its people ‘

The White House statement on Tuesday came as leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a statement reaffirming that Greenland “belongs to its people”.

“It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland”, they said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also voiced support, announcing that Governor General Mary Simon, who is of Inuit descent, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand would visit Greenland early next month.

In a separate statement, Nordic foreign ministers – from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark – also stressed Greenland’s right to decide its own affairs. They also noted they had increased their investments in Arctic security, and offered to do more in consultation with the US and other NATO allies.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also warned that threats against a NATO member undermined the alliance’s credibility. &nbsp, “No member should attack or threaten another ‌member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Otherwise, NATO would lose its meaning”, he said.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the European leaders ‘ pledge of solidarity and renewed his ‌call to the US for a “respectful dialogue”.

Denmark, meanwhile, rejected Trump’s assertion that it is unable to protect Greenland.

“We do not share this image that Greenland ‍is plastered with Chinese investments… ⁠nor that there are Chinese warships up and down along Greenland”, Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, adding that the US was welcome to invest more on the island.

Greenland’s government said it had asked for an urgent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, together with Rasmussen, to discuss the situation.

Also on Tuesday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, whom Trump appointed last month as US special envoy to Greenland, said he was not interested in talking to people in Denmark or European diplomats over Greenland.

Instead, he said he wants to have conversations directly with residents of Greenland. “I want to talk to people who want an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Greenland”, the Republican said on a Fox News radio show.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that Rubio had told US lawmakers during a congressional briefing that the recent threats did not signal an imminent invasion of Greenland and that the goal is to ‌buy the island from Denmark.

The White House deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, also dismissed concerns about Danish sovereignty.

“You can ⁠talk all you want about international niceties and everything else”, Miller told CNN. “But we live in a world, in the real world, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that ​is governed by power”.

Members of Congress, including some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, pushed back.

Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, was eerily quiet on Monday, two days after the country bombed and kidnapped Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

However, many “caraquenos” made the decision to shop for groceries and other necessities, though at inflated prices.

As Venezuelans prepare to face the looming threat of additional US intervention, the tense atmosphere on the streets of Caracas was yet another indication of the uncertainty that daily people face.

Local authorities have demanded that Venezuela’s regular economic activity be continued. However, some stores remained closed while households stocked up on essential goods in case of a shortage.

Many shopkeepers in Caracas’s central market, Quinta Crespo, were afraid of looting and unrest.

Despite the midday sun, lines of 10 or more people frequently spanned the stores that remained open. Bolivarian National Police officers patrolled the area to maintain order during the long lines.

In case the security situation in the capital deteriorated, customers informed Al Jazeera that they were purchasing non-perishable items like corn flour, rice, and canned goods.

Given the circumstances the nation is currently facing, Carlos Godoy, 45, a resident of Caracas’ western Caricuao, said, “I’m looking for basic necessities.” We are anticipating what transpires. We are all tethered to uncertainty.

Powdered milk, which Godoy claimed is priced at $16 per kilogram, was one of the priciest items he saw while shopping.

Despite the early-morning attack on Saturday, another shopper, Betzerpa Ramrez, claimed she felt calm. She noted that some goods have had higher prices despite not needing to hoard them.

She claimed that “hygiene items are more expensive than food.”

Some of the recent price increases caused anger for Alexandra Arismendi, who works in a mobile phone shop at the Sambil mall in one of Caracas’s busiest shopping districts.

She claimed that the egg price was “exaggerated.”

She said, “The prices are high.” Beyond the norm, an egg carton is available for $10.

Mara Gabriela, 23, her coworker, complained about the declining sales as customers stayed indoors out of fear of unrest.

The mall’s previously bustling crowds had mostly vanished. Gabiela herself resisted showing up for work. To avoid using public transportation, she took a taxi.

“We assumed that people would be looking for chargers or power banks] for potential power failures,” Gabriela said.

“No usual activity has occurred. One of the most bizarre days in recent memory is now.

Over the past ten years, Venezuelans have grown used to price increases and supply shortages. Venezuela’s economy is being destabilized by government corruption, mismanagement, and US sanctions, according to experts.

Oil prices dropped during Maduro’s presidency, causing a slump in Venezuela’s oil-heavy economy.

According to the national central bank, inflation had reached more than 130, 000 percent by 2018. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sluggish economy, which led to food and health supplies shortages.

Since winning the disputed presidential election in 2024, Maduro’s government has not released inflation figures.

After the US attack on Saturday, it is still unclear how much normalcy will return to Venezuela.

The administration of US President Donald Trump launched munitions against military installations in the states of Caracas, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira at dawn.

According to an unidentified Venezuelan official cited in The New York Times, at least 80 people died in the attack.

In a matter of hours, the US military offensive was over. Trump has, however, warned that if his demands for Venezuela are not met, he might grant authorization for a “second wave” of attacks.

Additionally, the Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone who participated in or supported the armed attack by the United States.”

Despite his being kidnapped into the US, Maduro continues to be Venezuela’s leader.

According to Arismendi, Venezuela’s tension has not yet reached the level it did following the protests in 2024.

In response to Nicolas Maduro’s abduction by American military forces, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, has claimed that “no foreign agent” is operating in Venezuela.

Rodriguez, who had previously served as Maduro’s vice president prior to his abduction, made the remarks at a televised event on Tuesday, one day after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, entered pleas not guilty to conspiracy to traffic in New York.

No one else is in charge in our nation but the Venezuelan government. No foreign agent is in charge of Venezuela, Rodriguez claimed.

Meanwhile, Maduro and his wife were requested by Venezuela’s prosecutor general for their immediate release.

Without a declaration of war or a resolution from the UN Security Council, the military operation is a deemed an unlawful act of armed terrorism, according to Tarek William Saab.

The statements come as a result of the military operation that left dozens of people dead in Venezuela on Saturday. The offensive has been widely dissented as a global law violation.

The 24 soldiers killed in the predawn assault were released on Tuesday in Venezuela. Cuba also announced the passing of 32 military personnel. In honor of the fallen military personnel, Rodriguez established a seven-day period of mourning.

US President Donald Trump’s administration hasn’t provided much information about its plans for Venezuela since seizing Maduro from his residence.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to Trump’s statement on Saturday that the US would “run” Venezuela.

Instead, the top diplomat claimed that US officials would set the country’s “direction” and use sanctions and an ongoing embargo to impose more restrictions on Venezuela’s oil industry.

On Monday, Rubio, the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the House Judiciary gave a group of Congress members a report on the Venezuela operation.

However, some lawmakers claimed that the administration had not disclosed its plans for Venezuela’s future or its justification for holding the strike without first obtaining congressional approval.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said afterwards, “This briefing, while very extensive and lengthy, posed far more questions than it ever answered.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican Party ally, said on Tuesday that Venezuela’s “government structure and how willing they are to work with the US” would be revealed over the coming days.

Rodriguez was described as a “practical person, pragmatic person” who “will understand the importance of figuring out a way forward so that Venezuela can prioritize its national security priorities.”

Trump, in addition lauding the abduction as an “amazing military feat” and “brilliant tactically,” provided few additional details about the operation during a retreat with Republicans on Tuesday.

Former Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said the nation had a “wonderful and incredible opportunity” while speaking from exile in Miami, Florida.

Guaido, who fled Venezuela in 2023, claimed that restoring the country’s democracy would lead to the return of millions of Venezuelans, as well as “bring back to life the oil fields” and “restore prosperity.

Rodriguez was described as a “acting dictator” and said the current era would only end “once the rule of law is reinstated”

Uncomfortable in Caracas

On Tuesday, crowds gathered in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, for a state-organized demonstration of government support.

Some marchers flashed “V” victory signs. Diosdado Cabello, the US Department of Justice indictment, was seen wading through the crowd. He is the country’s traditional minister of interior. The phrase “to doubt is to betray” was emblazoned on a blue cap on him.

However, Venezuelan journalist Noris Argotte Soto claimed that most people in Caracas remain tense and that most people remain inside their homes.

Everyone stays at home in the city’s “peripheral areas.” People are irate, the tension is rising. And people are extremely reluctant to leave the city and enter it, she said, primarily because of the security forces present at the city’s main squares.

Soto added that paramilitaries affiliated with the government have recently been working with the military to protect national security and avert potential dissention.

She claimed that they collaborated with the security forces yesterday.

They essentially targeted people, intimidated them, ran their cars, and even demanded that they use their cell phones to check their messages and social media accounts.

Regional uncertainty

The Trump administration’s increased threats to Colombia and the island of Greenland in the northern Atlantic have also caused anxiety in the region.

Trump said in response to the attack on Saturday that he had not considered starting an attack on Colombia because he had allegedly failed to tamp down the illegal drug trade.

He called Gustavo Petro, the nation’s president, a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” a vocal critic of US operations in Venezuela.

Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Colombia’s foreign affairs minister, announced on Tuesday that she would meet with the Colombian consular office in Bogota to file a formal complaint about the recent “threats” emanating from the US.

Villavicencio expressed her hope that the Trump administration will be informed of “all that we are doing in the fight against drug trafficking.”

Vivian Motzfeldt, the country’s foreign minister, posted a request on social media for an urgent meeting with Rubio on Tuesday to “discus the significant statement made by the United States.”

Trump once more floated a plan to retake control of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.

Later, Stephen Miller, a Trump aide, asserted that if it believes such actions are in line with its national interest, Washington has the right to seize sovereign territories.

The statement was consistent with a December White House national security strategy that stated the goal of restoring the United States’ “preeminence” in the Western Hemisphere.

The White House once more stated on Tuesday that it was looking into options for capturing Greenland, adding that “using the US military is always an option.”

Numerous European nations, as well as Canada, have reacted in support of Greenland, noting that Denmark is a NATO member. Therefore, an island attack would be considered an island attack on the entire bloc.

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom joined with Denmark on Tuesday to release a joint statement denouncing Trump’s remarks.