President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
