The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
