President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
