President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
