Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
