The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
