President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
