The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
