The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
