President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.