The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
