President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
