Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
