The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
