Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
