Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
