The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
