President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
