President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
