The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
