Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
