President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
