President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
