The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
