Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
