President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
