President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
