Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security 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 political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
