Bogot¡: Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday criticized US President Donald Trump for comments in which Trump said he would have been proud to destroy drug factories in Colombia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Petro reacted to Trump's statements by highlighting the efforts made under his administration to combat drug production. In a post on the US social media platform X, Petro pointed out that 10,366 cocaine-processing laboratories were dismantled during his time in office. Petro expressed his frustration by stating, "I am proud that 10,366 cocaine production laboratories were destroyed during my government. Rubio (US Secretary of State) didn't tell this to Trump; no one tells him these things."

Trump's remarks, made the previous day, underscored Colombia's significant role in global drug production. He asserted, "Colombia has cocaine factories where they make cocaine - would I knock out those factories? I would be proud to do it. Personally." Trump further clarified, "I didn't say I'm doing it - but I would be proud to do it because we're going to save millions of lives by doing it."

President Petro's response highlights the ongoing tension between Colombia and the US regarding strategies to combat drug production and trafficking.