The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
