Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
