Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's 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 made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
