Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
