Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
