President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
