Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
