Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
