Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
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 directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
