President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
