The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
