President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
