Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
