The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
