The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
