President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
