President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
