The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
