President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
