President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
