Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
