President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
