The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
