President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
