The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
