Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
