Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
