Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
