The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
