President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
