President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
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, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
