President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.