Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
