Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
