The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
