Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
