President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.