The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
