The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
