The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
