Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
