President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, 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
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
