Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
