President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
