The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
