President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.