Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility 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 last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
