The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
