Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
