President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
