President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
