President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
