President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics 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 laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
