The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
