Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
