Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
