Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
