The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
