President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
