President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
