President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
