The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
