Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
