Colombia expresses opposition to any external threats of aggression

CARACAS, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Colombian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed deep concern over recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible military action against Colombia under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated Colombia's firm opposition to any external threats of aggression that undermine the dignity, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the Colombian people.

Colombia remains fully committed to combating drug trafficking through a comprehensive, balanced, multidisciplinary and evidence-based manner, while upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the principle of shared responsibility, the statement said.

The statement also called for unity and solidarity among Latin American and Caribbean nations to ensure that the region stands together against any external intervention aimed at undermining sovereignty.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump told reporters at the White House that any country trafficking illegal drugs into the United States could be attacked, after raising concerns about cocaine from Colombia.

Since early September, the United States has carried out at least 21 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and East Pacific, including Colombian ships, killing more than 83 people. ■