Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
