Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
