The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
