The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
