President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
