Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
