President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like 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 following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
