President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
