The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
