Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.