The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
