President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
