Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
