Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
