President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
