The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
