The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
