President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
