Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
