Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
