The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
