President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
