President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
