President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
