The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
