President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility 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 left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
