The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
