President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
