The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
