Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
