Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
