The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
