The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
