The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
