Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
