The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
