The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
