The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
