Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
