Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
