President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
