Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
