The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
