Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
