President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating 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 later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
