President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
