Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
