Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
