The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
