Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
