The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
