President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
