President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
