The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting 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 president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
