The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
