Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
