President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
