Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
