President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
