Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
