Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
