President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
