The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
