Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
