The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
