Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
