The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
