President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
