The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is 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 Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
