The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
