The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
