Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
