The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
