The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
