Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
