President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
