President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
