President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
