Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
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 executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
