The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
