Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
