Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
