Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
