The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
