President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
