The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
