Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
