President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
