The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
