Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
