President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
