President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, 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 historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
