President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
