The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
