The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking 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 staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
