Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that regarding drug traffickers, 'the United States must kill them all without mercy.' She recently allowed an American warship to dock in the country's capital, despite public concerns over recent strikes and protests outside the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain. This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to increase its military presence in the Caribbean, including deploying destroyers with guided missiles, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and thousands of troops. The U.S. has also conducted 10 strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in nearly 40 deaths. The reaction from Latin American countries to these military actions has been mixed. Right-wing-led countries like Paraguay, Argentina, and Ecuador have generally aligned with the Trump administration's approach to drug trafficking and Maduro. However, even Trump's closest allies, such as El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, have not offered significant public support for the boat strikes. Professor of International Relations Juan Gabriel Tocatlían described the level of division among Latin American nations as 'the most dramatic in the last half a century.' He noted that while there have been periods of cooperation in the past, there is no longer a main platform for Latin American countries to work together. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims the U.S. hopes to oust him. Regional reactions to the military campaign and a potential military operation against Maduro vary. Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly condemned the raids, accusing the Trump administration of committing murders. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum also criticized the strikes and U.S. military presence but were more reserved to avoid Trump's economic backlash. In response to Petro's criticism, Trump cut aid to Colombia. Experts suggest that fears of Trump using U.S. economic power as a diplomatic weapon are a major factor driving leaders' responses.
