Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
