The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming 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.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
