The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
