Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
