President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
