The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
