President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
