The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
