President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
