Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
