Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.