President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
