President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
