Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove 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," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
