President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
