President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
