Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
