Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
