President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
