The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
