The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
