Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
