The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
