Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
