President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
