Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader 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 Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
