The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
