The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
