President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
