President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
