Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
