The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics 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), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
