President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
