The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
