President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
