Key Facts
• January 5, 2026: TV Asahi reports Colombia deploying tanks near border amid heightened alert.
• Trump calls Colombia a “sick country” run by people selling cocaine to the U.S.
• Trump hints at possible military operations in Colombia, citing killings by drug cartels.
• 8 million Venezuelans fled abroad; 2 million live in Colombia.
• Interview with Shikyu (47), a refugee from 10 years ago, expressing joy over freedom.
• Professor Tetsuo Kotani of Meikai University states military attack on Colombia is very unlikely.
• Kotani explains current Colombian leftist government is anti-U.S., but pro-U.S. factions remain.
• Trump administration aims to topple anti-U.S. regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
• Ultimate goal: establish pro-U.S. governments in Nicaragua and Cuba, the most anti-U.S. countries in the region.
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Colombia, labeling it a “sick country” due to its cocaine trade and suggesting possible military action. Colombia, hosting 2 million Venezuelan refugees, has increased border security with tank deployments. Despite Trump’s threats, experts like Professor Tetsuo Kotani consider a U.S. attack on Colombia unlikely, viewing Trump’s remarks as political pressure on the current leftist government. The Trump administration’s broader strategy targets anti-U.S. regimes in Latin America, aiming first to remove Venezuela’s government and then to extend influence to Nicaragua and Cuba. These countries are seen as the strongest anti-U.S. forces in the Western Hemisphere. The ultimate objective is to replace them with pro-U.S. administrations, continuing a domino effect of regime changes in the region.
