President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
