Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
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 business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.