US-Venezuela Crisis, Trump Raises the Tone: “We Are Ready, Imminent Ground Attack”. No to Maduro's Requests. Colombia Also in the Crosshairs.

The crisis between the United States and Venezuela takes a leap after new statements from American President Donald Trump, who announced from the White House that "soon" ground attacks will begin against drug trafficking organizations, implying direct operations not only in Venezuela but also in other countries in the region, including Colombia.

According to Trump, the criminal groups responsible for the production and trafficking of drugs have caused “over 200,000 deaths last year”, numbers that, he claims, have decreased thanks to recent US operations in the Caribbean Sea. Now, the next step would be a ground phase.

The President of the United States stated that

Soon we will start ground attacks, it's easier. We know where these wrongdoers are, and this will start very soon. Families will live more peacefully.

Just a few days ago, the Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) had advised all operators flying over Venezuelan airspace to maintain “maximum caution.”

A warning that, in light of Trump's latest statements and the verbal escalation with Caracas, today appears as a further signal of the growing tension in the region.

Colombia in the Crosshairs

In his speech, Trump clarified that the raids could hit “any place where drugs are being produced”, explicitly mentioning Colombia. “In Colombia, they have cocaine production facilities that they then sell in the United States. Anyone producing drugs destined for our country is subject to being attacked, not just Venezuela”, he declared.

Words that provoked an immediate reaction from Colombian President Gustavo Petro. From his X profile, Petro invited Trump to come to Colombia to “participate in the destruction of the nine laboratories a day” that, he claims, Colombian authorities dismantle to prevent cocaine from reaching the United States, claiming the destruction of about 18,400 laboratories during his term without “firing a single missile”.

Venga señor Trump a Colombia, lo invito, para que participe en la destrucción de los 9 laboratorios diarios que hacemos para que no llegue cocaína a EEUU.

Sin misiles he destruido en mi gobierno 18.400 laboratorios, venga conmigo y le enseño como se destruyen, un laboratorio… https://t.co/8WOKnclDK7

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) December 2, 2025

The Colombian Head of State warned that “attacking our sovereignty is equivalent to declaring war” and that such an action “would damage two centuries of diplomatic relations”, adding that he has already been “slandered” by Trump and inviting him not to persist on that path. Petro finally reminded that if there is a country that has contributed to stopping thousands of tons of cocaine headed towards US consumers, it is indeed Colombia.

The Secret Trump–Maduro Call: Five Requests to Leave Power

Further tensions arose after Reuters revealed unpublished contents of the phone call between Trump and Nicolás Maduro, which took place on November 21. The conversation, lasting less than 15 minutes, reportedly saw Maduro present five conditions to abandon power:

1. Total amnesty for himself and his family.
2. Revocation of personal economic and financial sanctions.
3. Dismissal of proceedings at the International Criminal Court, related to over 9,000 cases of human rights violations.
4. Cancellation of sanctions for about 100 regime members, including military and police figures.
5. Appointment of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president in a transition period towards elections.

The United States considers Maduro an illegitimate leader and offers a $50 million bounty for his capture on charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.

According to Reuters, Trump categorically rejected all requests, leaving only one way out: the immediate resignation of Maduro within a week, with the sole guarantee of a safe passage for him and his family into exile.

Uncertain Prospects

The statements from Washington, the closure of Venezuelan airspace, and the prospect of ground operations mark a new point of friction that could have diplomatic and military repercussions throughout the region.

The crisis remains in full evolution, and the possible scenarios – from targeted intervention against criminal organizations to a direct confrontation with the Caracas regime – are increasing by the hour.