President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
