President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "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 no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
