President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
