Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
