The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
