Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
