Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
