Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
