The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
