President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
