Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
