Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
