Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
