The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail 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 condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
