President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
