The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
