Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
