The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
