The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
