The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
