President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
