President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
