Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
