Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
