Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
