The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, 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 pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
