Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
