Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
