President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
