Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning 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 Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
