President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
