The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
