The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
