The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
