Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
