Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. 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 would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
