Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
