The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
