Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
