Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
