Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
