Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
