Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
