The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
