Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
