President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
