Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
