The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization after he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
