Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
