Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
