The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
