President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While 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 connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
