Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
