The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
