The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
