President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
