Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
