President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
