Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
