President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
