President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
