Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
