Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
