Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
