The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
