Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
