Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
