The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
