President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
