The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
