Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
