Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
