The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
