President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
