Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation 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 left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
