Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
