The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
