Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
