Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
