The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
