President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
