Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as 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 gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
