President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
