President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
