The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated 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. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
