President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
