The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
