Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.