The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
