The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
