Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
