President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s 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 made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
