The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
