Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
