Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
