Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
