The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
