Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became 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 arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.