The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
