Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
