The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
