The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
