President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
