President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
