Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
