The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
