The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.