Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
