President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
