The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
