President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
