President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
