Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
