President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
