The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
