Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
