President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
