The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
