The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
