The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
