Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
