The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
