Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
