The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
