Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
