President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
