Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela 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.
