Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
