President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.