Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
