The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
