President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
