Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
