Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
