Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
