President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
