President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
