President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
