President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
