Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
