The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
