The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
