President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
