Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
