President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
