The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
