Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked 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," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
