President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
