President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
