President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
