President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
