President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
