Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
