President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
