The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
