Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
