The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
