Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
