Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
