The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
