President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
