The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
