Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
