The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
