President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
