President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
