Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
