President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
