The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
