President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
