President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
