President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
