President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
