Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
