The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
