The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
