The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
