Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
