The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
