Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
