The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
