President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
