The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
