Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
