The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
