Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
