The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
