The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
