The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
