President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
