The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
