The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
