Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
