President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
