President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
