The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.