The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
