President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.