The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
