Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
