President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
