The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
