The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
