President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, 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 Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
