Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
