President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume 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 narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
