The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
