The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
