President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
