President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, 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 nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
