The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
