The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
