The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
