President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
