The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
