Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
