The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
