The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
