Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
