President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
