The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains 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 illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
