The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’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 demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
