Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
