Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
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, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
