The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
