The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
