President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
