President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
