President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
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 involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.