Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
