Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
