The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
