President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
