Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
