President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
