President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
