Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
