The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
