President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
