Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
