Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
