The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.