The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
